Gaming

Sony PS5 Expected to Sell 2x More than the XSX; Game Pass Could Mean Better Long Term Sales for MS

As per DFC intelligence, Sony’s next-gen console will be significantly more popular than the Xbox Series X. The study claims that the PS5 will go on to become Sony’s third console to sell more than 100 million units worldwide, while the Series X will be limited to half as much.

Although the Xbox Series X is expected to be a major step up from the Xbox One, public opinion continues to largely favor the PlayStation, thanks to blockbuster titles such as God of War, Spiderman, Horizon Zero Dawn and Death Stranding.

In recent months it has become clear that Sony and Microsoft are pursuing two very different strategies in the video game industry. The likely result is that the upcoming Sony PlayStation 5 should significantly outsell the Microsoft Xbox Series X. However, Microsoft may have the long-term winning battle plan.

The latest DFC Intelligence video game console forecasts have the PlayStation 5 outselling the Xbox Series X by a margin of 2-to-1. The PS5 looks likely to be Sony’s third 100 million unit selling console game system.

Microsoft is trying its best with Xbox Series X, but the past few months have revealed they are just too far behind Sony. Consumer brand preference is strongly towards PlayStation. As a piece of hardware there is nothing Xbox Series X is doing to change that perception.

Sony is also a global powerhouse in video games. Microsoft is only strong in English speaking markets. The Xbox has no presence in Japan and is weak in most of Europe. Sony’s strength in global consumer electronics distribution has been too much for Microsoft to overcome, even after 20 years of concerted effort.

DFC

At the same time, the forecast predicts that Microsoft may just win the long term with its Game Pass subscription which is now completely separate from the console. With this sub, MS has access to a much wider PC and mobile audience which may just give it the edge.

Interestingly, online network services such as the PS+ and PS Now also accounted for a meaty 16% of Sony’s Q1 2020 revenue. Considering these stats, it’s not hard to understand why Phil Spencer is investing so much in the Game Pass service.

Areej Syed

Processors, PC gaming, and the past. I have been writing about computer hardware for over seven years with more than 5000 published articles. Started off during engineering college and haven't stopped since. Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Divinity, Torment, Baldur's Gate and so much more... Contact: areejs12@hardwaretimes.com.
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